Handicrafts

An assessment of Palestinian handicrafts suitable for export

Following inquiries from a large US retailer about Palestinian handicrafts, The Portland Trust commissioned a market study in 2007 to identify which products had the greatest export potential. Handicrafts in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Samou were assessed. Several obstacles to developing a strong export market were identified.

The results highlighted the expense of raw materials, designs that would not be appealing to some overseas buyers and a lack of infrastructure and processes required for successful exporting.

Notwithstanding this the study concluded that, with some assistance, a number of handicrafts could be successfully marketed and exported overseas. These included olivewood and ceramics from Bethlehem and ceramics, glass-ware and wool rugs from Hebron.

The Portland Trust is a British non-profit ‘action tank’ whose mission is to promote peace and stability between Israelis and Palestinians through economic development.